The construction industry is responsible for over a third of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, and is one of the most wasteful industries. The industry is guilty of using large amounts of fossil fuels to power the machinery, electricity generation for lights and power tools, fuel for transportation, heating or cooling and the manufacturing of materials. However despite this, there is an extremely large increase in wanting to reduce the carbon footprint of the industry by exploring alternative, more sustainable solutions, which is something in which we will explore throughout this blog.
What is Green Construction?
Green Construction is another term for environmentally friendly construction, which focuses on reducing the negative impact of construction on the environment. There are many ways in which companies are implementing sustainable practices, and by now targeting the construction industry we can hope to reduce emissions by over 50%. Here are some ways in which sustainable practices within construction can help to make it more environmentally friendly.
Sustainable Practices in Construction:
Energy Efficiency – By designing and building structures that work towards minimising energy consumption, you can work towards adding in high-quality insulation, energy – efficient windows, or adding in solar panels. This makes less use of gas during the winter months, as houses have higher quality insulation, which works towards consuming less energy.
Renewable Energy – Using this form of sustainability is not new to many industries across the world, and now by including these practices within construction, it can help to recycle resources we would usually use fossil fuels on. For example: adding in solar panels to housing, or using geothermal systems to help with generating electricity whilst also providing heating and cooling for buildings.
Resource Consumption and Waste Management – Using sustainable resources to help to build, from recyclable materials to reasonably sourced wood, it can help to reduce overall waste and help towards minimising resource consumption. This also applies when dealing with recycling debris, as well as properly disposing of hazardous waste. Be sure to adopt strong waste management plans to ensure that the waste is being properly disposed of.
Water Efficiency – Implementing in water-saving technologies and practices such as: low-flow plumbing fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, water-conserving landscaping can all help in reducing water consumption in buildings and at construction sites.
Urban Planning – By promoting sustainable and urban planning, you can encourage mixed land use, and support public transportation. By reducing urban sprawl through reducing the need for long commutes, by having work, living and commercial areas very close together, can help to reduce vehicle waste and the carbon emissions that are there as a result.
Low-Impact Site Development – Through protecting natural ecosystems by minimising soil erosion, as well as managing stormwater runoff, we can help to reduce the impacts and effects that construction has on the wildlife. This means that the land is less fertile, resulting in higher levels of sedimentation within the waters combined with higher levels of pollution, which can result in severe harm.
Nevill Developments – Contact Us!
Nevill Developments is a property development company based in Essex that has been in business for many years. It is a family run business and runs on the principles of family values. We believe in our development projects and work hard to ensure they are profitable. To find out more information, email us at info@nevilldevelopments.co.uk. or call us on 01206 700 124.
We look forward to hearing from you!